The bottled 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape confirms my high praise given last year from barrel tastings. The attractive dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of olives, herbes de Provence, and sweet, jammy, black-cherry and raspberry fruit. The wine is full-bodied, chewy, lush, and generously-endowed. It should drink well for a decade. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.
The Gonnet brothers continue to produce the most underrated wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. The Gonnets, whose vineyards are well-placed in the crau section of the appellation, not far from Vieux-Telegraphe, keep prices modest, rarely seek publicity, and year after year turn out savory, rich wines.
Importers: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (908) 225-9000 and Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620